The relationship between Bahrain and the U.S. Navy has evolved through a series of friendships between the ruling Al Khalifa royal family and senior Navy Flag officers who were assigned as Commander Middle East Force and later as Commander Fifth Fleet. David Winkler examines that unique relationship, from the Bahraini and American perspectives, and offers an overview of Bahraini history, the British role in the region, the entry of American humanitarian and economic interests, the establishment of the Navy presence in view of the Cold War, Arab-Israeli conflicts, and the downfall of the Iranian Shah.

David F. Winkler is a commander in the Naval Reserve and campaign director for the U.S. Navy Museum Cold War Gallery at the Naval Historical Foundation.